Mandatory Water Restrictions Being Considered for Georgia

The state Board of Natural Resources will vote next month on how much is too much residential outdoor water use.

The state is under mild drought conditions according to the Division of Environmental Protection.

If this proposal is approved, it would make current voluntary restrictions, mandatory.

Margaret Titus enjoys the luxury of watering her garden at her leisure. Titus travels a lot, and days for her to have time to do so are unpredictable.

"I laughingly say watering is my favorite therapy so of course I would miss it if I had to decide that one day was a appropriate day to water and couldn't on another,” Titus explains.

But she may have to. The State Board of Natural Resources has proposed regulations on residential outdoor water use. If approved, odd-numbered addresses can water only on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, and evens would have their chance on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.

The communications director for the state Environmental Protection Division says the proposal is not related to the mild drought conditions in the state. However, the EPD is monitoring the current drought conditions and will use these rules, if adopted, to establish additional outdoor water restrictions if conditions intensify.

Titus says she's assuming the main purpose of the proposal is for water conservation, and if so she's for it.

"If that were so then I would whole-heartedly endorse it, even though I would miss my therapy,” adds Titus.

The EPD was closed Monday, due to a state holiday, so they could not comment on the proposal.

But the Board of Natural Resources will vote on the proposal on May 26. Businesses that require water use are exempt, such as farms, professional car washes, and licensed landscapers.

For more information about the regulations you can call the Environmental Protection Division at 888-373-5947.

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